Lacombe

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly said Friday there's a good chance that Russia could re-invade Ukraine if there are no security guarantees in a peace deal.

Her comments came after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in a shocking verbal brawl in the White House.

The two countries were expected to sign a critical minerals deal as part of efforts to end Ukraine's war with Russia, but after Zelenskyy insisted that the deal include security guarantees from the U.S., Trump showed open disdain for the Ukrainian president.

Wild Rose School Division has announced that Jodie Mattia will become the new Superintendent of Schools effective August 1, 2025.

Having been an educator for over 30 years, Jodie brings a breadth of experience from her many leadership roles including Director of Indigenous Ways of Knowing and Being & Sense of Belonging, Director of Learning Services and District Principal at Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools.

Following a successful fundraising event, Red Deer’s Mustard Seed is now gearing up for another busy season.  

The Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY), in partnership between The Mustard Seed and the Red Deer Food Bank raised over $92,000.  

Innisfail Town Council is moving forward on the Napoleon Lake South residential development plan.   

During a special meeting on Feb. 18, council was presented with a report providing a final subdivision layout, neighbourhood design guidelines, and preliminary lot pricing. 

By developing the lots, the town is hopeful to help ease market pressure.   

The Blackfalds RCMP have completed their investigation into a report of an alleged attempted child abduction.  

On Feb. 25, the RCMP received a report of a possible child abduction.   

The child reported to their parent that a white van tried to abduct them before school.    

The Blackfalds RCMP investigated the report and have confirmed that the story was fabricated.   

Due to the extended period of warm temperatures, The City of Red Deer is warning residents of hazardous conditions on the river, community ponds, and creeks.

As of Friday, Bower Ponds and neighbourhood outdoor rinks are closed for the season, as conditions are not adequate for maintaining safe ice surfaces. 

Parks and Public Works staff will be removing nets and turning off the lights. 

The Ice Oval at Setters Place at Great Chief Park is temporarily closed through Monday, March 3, at which time staff will reassess ice conditions. 

Red Deer RCMP says the Automated Traffic Enforcement Program will be operating in the City of Red Deer throughout the month of March.

Mobile units will be operating in the following neighbourhoods:

Glendale, Normandeau, Highland Green, Riverside Meadows, Fairview, Pines, Downtown Core, Waskasoo, Woodlea, Parkvale, Bower, Anders, Morrisroe, Inglewood, Vanier, Lancaster

The City of Red Deer’s Automated Traffic Enforcement Program includes photo laser, red light cameras and intersection speed cameras.

The Town of Blackfalds has announced that due to the warm temperatures, Riser Pond and Centennial Pond are now closed.

Pine Crescent Outdoor Rink, Willow Park Skating Loop, and Willow Park Outdoor Rink remain open.

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With the arrival of warmer temperatures this week, the ice skating trail at the Lions Centennial Park is now closed for the season.

The ice surface is no longer functional for users and can no longer be maintained.

The Town of Ponoka is also reminding citizens to be cautious around the Battle River and stormwater ponds as the snow and ice melt away.

Residents are reminded to keep children and pets off of the river ice and stormwater ponds at all times, and to keep dogs on a leash.

On Thursday, (Feb. 27), at approximately 3:05 a.m., the Innisfail RCMP stopped a red Ford F150 on Highway 2A. 

During the traffic stop, officers arrested the driver and passenger under the Excise Act for possession of unstamped cigarettes. 

The passenger was also found to be wanted on outstanding warrants. 

During a search of the driver, RCMP located a taser. 

A vehicle search also yielded: